New State by State Resource Guide provides legal status, connects birth professionals and consumers

In a climate of rapidly expanding consumer demand for home and birth center births, state midwifery laws are changing to adapt to this growing trend for out-of-hospital birth. The United States does not have a comprehensive federal law that regulates the practice of midwifery. Each state determines its own regulation and scope of practice for midwives. While Certified Nurse-Midwives practice legally in all 50 US states, regulation of direct-entry midwives varies widely from state to state.

connect with the midwifery professional organizations and consumer groups supporting birth options

Direct-entry midwifery (DEM) is a general term used in the United States for a wide range of practitioners who enter the profession of midwifery through routes of education other than nursing. These practitioners include Certified Professional Midwives (CPM)—those holding certificates issued by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM), Certified Midwives (CM)—those holding certificates issued by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), as well as Registered Midwives (RM), Licensed Midwives (LM), and other direct-entry midwives practicing in states still in the process of regulating and licensing DEMs. Most DEMs provide services in birth settings that are outside of medical institutions, primarily freestanding birth centers and private homes.

For additional resources or changes to our current contacts, please contact the Midwives Alliance at region6@mana.org.